Directions of the Serbian Orthodox Church

The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church has directed that the following
petitions be inserted into appropriate litanies at Vespers, Matins and
the Divine Liturgy:

Into the Great Litany

"For God's mercy upon us, His unworthy servants, that we may all be protected
from hatred and evil actions, that we may have instilled in us unselfish love
by which all shall know that we are disciples of Christ and God's people, as
were our holy ancestors, so that we may always know to decide for the truth
and righteousness of the Heavenly Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord".

"For all those who commit injustice against their neighbors, whether by causing
sorrow to orphans or spilling innocent blood or by returning hatred for
hatred, that God will grant them repentance, enlighten their minds and hearts
and illumine their souls with the light of love even towards their enemies,
let us pray to the Lord".

At the Augmented Litany

"O Lord, how many are our foes who battle against us and say: there is no help
for them from God or man. O Lord, stretch forth Thy hands that we may remain
Thy people in both faith and works. If we must suffer, let it be in the ways
of Thy justice and Thy truth - let it not be because of our injustice or hatred
against anyone. Let us all fervently say: Lord have mercy".

"Again let us pray to God, the Savior of all men, also for our enemies - that
our people Lord who loves mankind will turn them away from attacks on our
Orthodox people, that they not destroy our churches and cemeteries, that they
not kill our children or persecute our people, but that they too may turn
to the way of repentance, justice and salvation. Let us all fervently say:
Lord have mercy".

Tropar to the Holy Serbian New-Martyrs, Tone 8

Because of your faith in God and God's justice,
you have suffered in flesh, -earth sorrow,-
yet you saved your souls, -heaven rejoices,
your ancestors sang out with heaven,
greeting you at the gate of Paradise with song:
"Your names are in the Book of Eternity
enter into Paradise, children of immortality!"
We on earth, your posterity, cry out in unison:
Holy Serbian New-Martyrs, pray God for us!